by Terry Mutchler

When Terry Mutchler and Penny Severns fell in love, the fact that one of them was a state senator in Illinois and the other the head of the AP bureau there wasn't the only issue they faced in their too-short 5 year relationship. While the ethics of a journalist dating...

by Jenny Brown

Alternating stories from her inspirational life and tales about the animals on the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, Jenny Brown's The Lucky Ones is compelling and moving. Not even a little preachy, she shares her views compassionately and with a wealth of facts that can only come from years in the...

by Alice Hoffman

This was lovely to listen to. Advice, not just for those facing hardship, but for anyone. It’s a love letter to life and writing. And gleaned throughout is a bit of an autobiography of a wondrous writer who also happens to be a cancer survivor. There has been some talk...

by John Green

Hazel Grace is sixteen. She hasn't gone to high school for the last three years, has all but stopped hanging out with friends, and, oh yeah, she has cancer. In The Fault in Our Stars, John Green gives voice to these young, intelligent,...

It’s also touching, and tragic, so keep the tissues handy.
I’m talking about The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It's about two teens dealing with various aspects of cancer. As with most of his books, I’m totally smitten. The banter between characters is very highbrow. I don’t know any teenagers who really talk like Green’s characters, but he’s a skilled writer and his characters are enchanting and well-developed. This is a must-read for adults and older teens.

Hair loss is never easy. It can affect individuals of all ages, including children.

People may be undergoing treatment for cancer or they may be healthy. Appearance is very important in our society so there is always the question of how to live with hair loss and still look attractive. Some individuals wear wigs, hats or go bald. Fortunately for us who live with hair loss the web can provide important information, support, and resources.

As a person with a disability, I am always interested in new books about others who live with differences.

I have read three books lately. In The Anti-Romantic Child, Priscilla Gilman who is an expert on the poet, Wadsworth, intertwines his poetry as she describes her journey as a mother of a son with special needs. Elizabeth Bonker is an adolescent who has autism and writes poetry, though she is unable to speak. I Am in Here describes her life and how her parents have helped her.

Yes, it's that time of year already--time to start thinking about the winter holidays! How can Fresh City Life My Branch make your holiday season bright this year?

Start off this Wednesday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Smiley Branch with Sustainable Gifts for the Holidays. Learn how to make your own evergreen wreaths, cinnamon pine cones, and seed bomb gift bags. Reuse items that the land has to offer to make the winter season brighter for your family and friends. Presented by Kelly Watson of The Permaculture Project.